Orange Leleupi Cichlid

Orange Leleupi Cichlid

Common Names: Orange Leleupi, Firecracker
Scientific Name: Neolamprologus Leleupi
Family: Cichlidae
Maximum Size: 4 inches
Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 – 82°F
pH Range: 7.8 – 9.0
Water hardness: dH 12 – 14
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Origin: Lake Tanganyika

Aquarium Setup:
The Orange Leleupi Cichlid prefers a sandy substrate, white aragonite is highly recommended to maintain the alkalinity and pH in the water. This will help them to keep their bright colors, the fishes color will darken if the substrate used is a dark color!

They love to build caves, so shells, rocks and driftwood should be generously added to the tank. Leleupi’s dwell in crevice’s so lots of shelters should be provided.

June 6th, 2008 by Fish Man 

Frontosa African Cichlid

Frontosa African Cichlid

Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia frontosa
Maximum Size:  15 inches
Life expectancy: 15 years
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 – 82 °F
pH Range: 7.8 – 8.5
Water hardness: dH 10 – 15
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Origin: Lake Tanganyika

Aquarium Setup:
Because of their large size Frontosa’s need at least a 70 – 100 gallon tank. Tank length is more important than the height, as it will give them more swimming space.

Substrate can be either fine gravel or sand and several caves should be added for hiding places. Never use rocks with sharp edges, when scared Frontosa’s will dart through the water and they will injure themselves on sharp edges.

May 9th, 2008 by Fish Man 

Brichardi Cichlid

Brichardi Cichlid

Common Names: Fairy Cichlid Brichardi, Lyretail Cichlid
Scientific Name: Neolamprologus brichardi
Maximum Size: 6 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 – 77°F
pH Range: 8.0 – 9.0
Water hardness: dH 9 – 19
Temperament: Peaceful to Aggressive depending upon tank mates
Origin: Lake Tanganyika

Aquarium Setup:
The Brichardi Cichlid likes an aquarium with a lot of decorations, especially those that provide cave like hiding places, where each fish can stake out a territory. In the wilds of Lake Tanganyika the Brichardi inhabits small caves near the shoreline along a rocky bottom. You should also provide plenty of open water space for swimming as they like to move around a lot. Keep this in mind when you arrange your aquarium.

Brichardi Cichlids have a tendency to dig so be sure that larger rocks are well anchored or…

May 8th, 2008 by Fish Man 

Golden Julie Cichlid

Golden Julie Cichlid

Scientific Name: Julidochromis ornatus
Maximum Size: 3″ inches
Temperature Range: 77 – 79 °F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness:  Very Hard
Temperament: Aggressive and territorial
Origin: Lake Tanganyika

Aquarium Setup:
The Golden Julie is indigenous to Lake Tanganyika and is accustomed to a high sediment rocky habitat. Sand, or a similar material, makes the best substrate, but small gravel may also be used.

April 22nd, 2008 by Fish Man